Two separate clashes between armed actors in Kawkareik Township, Dooplaya District, February 2015

30th April 2015

News Bulletin

Location:

Dooplaya District

This photo was taken by a KHRG staff member on April 7th 2015. This photo shows a letter from the Unity Committee for Karen Armed Groups (UCKAG) which explains the commission of an investigation on the fighting between the BGF and KNLA on February 27th 2015. UCKAG was founded following the KNU’s 15th Congress in late 2012, and held its first meeting shortly after in May 2013. It is a committee of seven members created with the aim to unite all Karen armed groups and includes members from the KNU, DKBA, and the BGF, among others. The commission leaders held a meeting on April 3rd 2015 with the commanders from both sides. Both BGF #1022’s Battalion Commander Maung Thon and Brigade #6 (Dooplaya) KNLA’s Headquarter Special Commander Captain La Min agreed on the investigation’s results, which found both sides culpable for the conflict. [Photo: KHRG]

Two separate clashes between armed actors in Kawkareik Township, Dooplaya District, February 2015

30th April 2015

News Bulletin

Location:

Dooplaya District

Location:

Dooplaya District

Location:

Dooplaya District

Location:

Dooplaya District

The above photos were taken by a KHRG researcher in C--- village, Kawkareik Township, Dooplaya District on March 2nd 2015. These photos show the mortars which did not explode during the clash between the BGF and Tatmadaw battalions from Kyaikdon Town and former DKBA Commander Bo San Aung’s group. The first photo shows the unexploded mortar at the scene that was fired by the DKBA. The second shows the unexploded mortar that was fired by Tatmadaw soldiers. The third photo depicts both mortars after they were collected by the village leaders. The fourth photo shows the damage to a villager’s shop door after being hit by bullets. The shop owner said that the bullets almost hit him and his family members. The owner closed down the shop because they were afraid of the fighting, however they re-opened two days later. The shop owner did not know which armed actor’s bullets hit his shop door. The villagers in the area report being scared of what will happen in the future. [Photos: KHRG]